Topic(s): Breastfeeding
Location: India
Language(s): English
Audience: Health and service providers, Program designers and implementers
Programs: Social and behavior change

Multilevel support for breastfeeding could increase early initiation of breastfeeding by 25%, reduce prelacteal feeding by 25%, and increase exclusive breastfeeding by 25%, according to this study in Uttar Pradesh. Breastfeeding is not a one-woman job – fathers, grandmothers, health workers, and communities play a part in child feeding. A cross-sectional survey conducted among new mothers, husbands, and mothers-in-law in Uttar Pradesh, examined determinants of breastfeeding practices and potential strategies for improvement. A multifactorial approach, including strategies such as health services and family and community level interventions, has the potential to improve practices, the study found.